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Tuesday, 8 November 2016

A new portrait of The Queen, at 90

The Queen unveils a new portrait of herself at a reception for Co-Operation Ireland in London

(photo ITN still via Co-Operation Ireland Twitter)

The Queen has unveiled a new portait of herself, marking her 90th birthday. This painting, by Northern Irish artist Colin Davidson, was revealed for the first time at a reception in London for Co-operation Ireland attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on November 8th.

This new portrait of the Queen was commissioned by Dr Christopher Moran, the chair of Co-operation Ireland, to mark the big birthday this year. Dr Moran said he was inspired to commission the portait following the Queen's visit to Northern Ireland in 2012 when she viewed paintings by Colin Davidson for the first time.

That historic visit also saw the Queen shake hands with Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, whom she met alongside then First Minister, Peter Robinson. Tonight, Mr McGuinness was at the reception along with Northern Ireland's new First Minister, Arlene Foster. The Tanaiste of the Republic of Ireland, Frances Fitzpatrick was also present.

Co-operation Ireland was set up in 1979 as a peace charity working across the island of Ireland. The Queen is its patron, alongside the President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. During his historic State Visit to the UK in 4, the Queen mentioned Co-operation Ireland in her speech at the State Banquet at Windsor which was also attended by Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.